Startup Rankings
Top Space Propulsion Startups in Switzerland 2026
Last updated · 8 companies · compiled from public data sources
Switzerland hosts eight propulsion-focused aerospace startups spanning components, satellite systems, and in-orbit services. The companies cluster around Lausanne, with additional hubs in Villeneuve, Nyon, Bex, and other cantons. All eight are categorized as propulsion providers, reflecting the nation's depth in this critical aerospace domain.
ESA BIC alumni and current participants anchor the ecosystem, signaling validation from European space infrastructure programs. Funding spans from European research grants to major venture rounds, with Neural Concept's $100 million Series C led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives representing the largest disclosed capital commitment among the eight.
- 1.
Neural Concept
Lausanne · €254.1M disclosed funding
Neural Concept develops AI-powered engineering software that accelerates product design and simulation across industries including aerospace. The Lausanne company raised $100 million in Series C funding led by Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives and previously secured $27 million in Series B support. It holds ESA BIC alumni status and recently expanded to Asia with a Seoul office opening.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 2.
PAVE Space
Villeneuve · founded 2024 · €80M disclosed funding
PAVE Space provides in-space logistics and propulsion systems to support orbital operations and satellite deployment. Founded in 2024 in Villeneuve, the startup secured $40 million in seed funding led by Visionaries Club and Creandum, with backing from Lombard Odier Investment Managers and Atlantic Lab. The company currently participates in the ESA BIC program.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 3.
EH Group Engineering
Nyon · founded 2017 · €43.6M disclosed funding
EH Group Engineering, based in Nyon since 2017, develops hydrogen fuel cell stacks and systems for marine, aviation, and stationary power applications with relevance to space energy systems. The company raised $16.8 million in Series A funding led by Safran Group and HyAccelerator, following a $5 million seed round. It holds ESA BIC alumni designation.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 4.
Coactum
Bex · €1.1M disclosed funding
Coactum designs satellite positioning and movement solutions for Earth orbit operations, enabling in-space transportation using small satellites. Based in Bex, the startup received ESA Boost co-funding for propellant storage system development alongside support from ESA BIC Switzerland as an alumni member. The company addresses access to high Earth orbits and beyond.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 5.
Cfs Engineering
Lausanne · €1.5M disclosed funding
CFS Engineering provides computational fluids and structures engineering services for aerospace applications from its Lausanne base. The firm has secured funding through multiple European research projects including AGILE 4.0, AFC4TR, RETALT, and SMS under Horizon and H2020 programs. Recent recognition included listing among top aerospace startups in Vaud for 2026.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
- 6.
Saphyrion SaGL
Bioggio · €838k disclosed funding
Saphyrion SaGL, located in Bioggio, designs and manufactures radiation-hardened ASICs and GNSS systems for space applications, with particular focus on Urban Air Mobility and navigation safety. The company participates in multiple European research initiatives including ATOS, GIMS, SINSIN, GAUSSIAN, and MAGNIFIC projects. Its work spans earth observation, eVTOL, and satellite-based systems.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
- 7.
Davos Instruments
Davos · founded 2016 · €111 disclosed funding
Davos Instruments produces high-precision solar radiometry instruments and measurement equipment for both ground and space-based applications. Founded in 2016, the company received support from ESA BIC Switzerland and holds alumni status. The firm has spun off complementary capabilities including the NiviLux GmbH entity.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 8.
Alpes Lasers
Saint-Blaise · founded 1998 · €31 disclosed funding
Alpes Lasers, established in 1998 in Saint-Blaise, manufactures Quantum Cascade Lasers for aerospace, defense, and materials applications. The company has participated in 11 H2020 and 3 EUROSTARS projects, with 14 active EU grants currently underway including the PHOTONMED Horizon Europe project. Its RF-HHL laser module represents a recent development in the product portfolio.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
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Companies are ranked by a composite score of disclosed funding, programme participation (ESA BIC, EU research projects), cross-source presence, and data recency, all compiled from public sources. If your aerospace startup belongs on this list, sign up and we'll review it for the next update.